Are All Laser Hair Removal Providers Created Equal?

Is waxing one of your favorite past times? Do you enjoy the thrill of shaving? Do you look forward to spending a portion of every week, or perhaps every day for that matter, diligently working to remove unwanted hair?

If so, you are not a good candidate for laser hair removal. You are also part of a small minority of individuals for whom personal grooming may be the highlight of your existence.

So have you thought about it yet? Have you been curious enough to try to learn more about what laser hair removal is all about? Can it really be permanent? If these questions have ever crossed your mind, have you considered how you might select a provider for these services?

If so, there are actually a number of factors that should be taken into consideration when evaluating your hair removal options.

The number one thing you want to establish is the aptitude of your provider. Are you going to select a physician or a laser technician? There are a number of physicians who practice cosmetic medicine who may be ideal candidates. There are an equal or perhaps greater number of laser technicians working in medical spas or medical offices who specialize in skin care and hair removal that may be comparably skilled.

Why choose one or the other? It really depends on the individual. Make sure to ask about their training and experience. Did this individual attend a licensed and reputable institute for medical aesthetics? Often times the laser hair removal equipment sales person may provide an afternoon or single day of in-service training to the provider on the use of the device, but this may not be enough to ensure that your laser hair removal specialist is adequately prepared to assist every client who may walk through their door.

When it comes to health and beauty, certainly one size does not fit all. Everyone is different and should be evaluated and treated as such in order to obtain the most effective and safest result. There are specific laser hair removal training schools for that provide comprehensive education courses where a laser operator, physician or otherwise, can gain extensive knowledge and experience about their trade. Also be sure to ask if your state requires specific licensing or certification of these individuals and if they are in compliance.

Another important issue when it comes to selecting a source for laser hair removal services is the type of equipment that will be used for your treatments. The laser business is a fast moving technology industry that evolves more rapidly than computers. If your provider has a laser system that is more than a couple of years old, it may not work as efficiently as a newer technology.

This is of real importance when you consider the overall cost, time required, and effectiveness of your treatments. Laser hair removal can often be accomplished in about five treatments, but it can vary from four to twelve treatments in some cases. If your provider is using an IPL (intense pulse light) system, which differs from an actual laser, it is not uncommon to have upwards of twelve treatments before you may see optimal results. Many newer systems, such as Diode Lasers, can typically provide results in five to 6 treatments.

Treatment requirements are dictated by hair growth cycles, efficiency of the laser or IPL technology used, and the skill and experience of the provider. Would you rather complete your treatments in five sessions or twelve? How about when you consider that many laser hair removal providers charge per treatment session? That is when reality really sets in. It is possible to pay twice as much for a treatment program that may take twice as long.

Laser hair removal can be permanent. Technology has advanced to the point where the delivery of the product can meet the hopes and expectations of the consumer. These services are now readily available at most of the more than two thousand medical spas and cosmetic medical practices that are spread across the country.

It is important, however, to realize that they are not all the same. With dozens of different hair removal technologies on the market, and laser operator training requirements that vary from state to state, make sure to shop around and ask the right questions. It may take some time to find the right provider, but with no more shaving and waxing you will certainly make up for lost time in the long run.